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24 June 2012

Peugeot expands the 508 range

Peugeot has expanded the 508 model range with the introduction
of four new exciting variants covering two powertrain options and similar
number of bodystyles option. The four new variants are the 508 GT, 508 SW GT,
508 SW and the 508 Standard. These four variants join the currently on-sale 508
sedan, now re-named 508 Premium, which was introduced to the Malaysian market
in October 2011. Both the 508 GT and 508 SW GT are the first diesel-powered
Peugeots sold by Nasim since its appointment as the official distributor for
the French marque in 2008. The pair are powered by the 2.2L HDi engine. The 508
SW and 508 Standards remains gasoline driven, catapulted by the familiar and
excellent 1.6L THP engine.

In this expansion activity, Peugeot has pitched the model at
varying market segments, signified by the pricing as well as the tuning. The
entry level model is the 508 Standard, priced at RM155,888. The next model in
the line-up is the 508 Premium, essentially what Malaysian has seen since
October 2011, and continue to be priced at RM169,888. This is where the range
start to diversify with the inclusion of Peugeot 508 SW. Similar in specs with
the Premium, the 508 SW is priced at slight premium at RM179,888.

Going upwards means opting for the diesel-powered GT variant,
which not only comes with the higher performance fuel sipper, but also with
sportier suspension setup. The GT pair of sedan and SW weights in at RM199,888
and RM209,888 respectively.

All 508 variants feature sensor-activated headlights and wipers,
USB and Bluetooth connectivity, a five-star EURO NCAP rating, front and rear
fog lights, leather-trimmed steering wheel, an on-board computer and ISOFIX
points at the rear seats for child seats. All five variants come with a
five-year/unlimited mileage warranty, an industry-leading warranty package in
the Malaysian market. More technical information about the range can be found
after the jump.

Both the 508 GT and 508 SW GT demonstrate the very best of the
508 range and offers exceptional performance on a premium scale. The pair are
powered by a four-cylinder 2.2L HDi FAP diesel engine that churns out 204 bhp@3,500
rpm and 450 Nm@2,000rpm of power and torque respectively. The engine is mated
to the 6 speed automatic transmission.
Several innovation are included in the powertrain package which include lightweight
titanium turbocharger impeller, optimization of friction, piezo-electric
injectors with eight apertures and optimized combustion chambers to deliver
superior performance.

The GT version is pitched as a sporty duo compared to the
cooking THP-engined car. Peugeot has gone an extra miles by giving the GT the
different front suspension setup, a double wishbone suspension system with
drop-link hub carrier and anti-roll bar at the front. The dual wishbone and
decoupling of bounce and steering functions allow for a high-level of body
rigidity and driving accuracy. Multi-link arm takes care the back end, as per
the rest of 508 range.

It wouldn’t a 2012 car if the fuel efficiency is not the trump card.
For this model, Peugeot has quoted 5.7L/100 km on a mixed cycle for the 508 GT while
the 508 SW GT achieves a consumption of 5.9L/100 km. The 508 GT and 508 SW GT
have CO2 emission level of 150g per km and 154g per km respectively.

For all other Peugeot 508, they are powered by the excellent 1.6L
twin-scroll turbo high-pressure with direct petrol injection that produces 156
hp and 240 Nm of torque. It is fitted with a six-speed auto adaptive gearbox
with paddle-shifters, Tiptronic functionality and a sport mode.

The 508 SW features an emotional, dynamic profile with a rear
aspect that is firmly planted to the road. Like the 508 SW GT, the panoramic
glass roof in the 508 SW allows passengers to benefit from fully from exterior
light and comes with a one-touch rotary control and a motorized tailgate.

The boot of the 508 SW offers 660L of space and with 1,865L of
space with the seats folded down. Furthermore, the carpet in the boot of the SW
can be folded to divide the boot into compartments while there is a practical
load space cover in the boot.

Like the Peugeot 508 Premium, the suspension on the 508 SW comprises
of Macpherson-type struts with helical springs, dampers and an anti-roll bar at
the front and a multi-arm suspension with helical springs and multi-valve
dampers at the rear.

The safety features in the 508 SW include six airbags, an
automatic electric parking brake, ESP, ABS, EBD, ASR, DSC, EBA and Hill-Start
Assist.

Joining the fray of 508 family is the new 508 Standard. This
sedan is powered by the same twin-scroll turbocharged engine as its Premium and
SW siblings and features the same suspension settings. The transmission for the
508 Standard is a six-speed auto adaptive gearbox with paddle shifters,
Tiptronic functionality and a sport mode.

Like the other 508 variants, it comes with dynamic bi-xenon
headlamps with washers and auto-leveling, LED daytime running lights, front and
rear parking sensors, 8-way electric front seats, World In Peugeot sound with
Arkamys audio processing and a five-dial instrument panel with a monochrome LCD
screen.

Safety is not compromised in the 508 Standard either as it is
fitted with six airbags, ESP, ABS, EBD, ASR, DSC, EBA and Hill-Start Assist.
Additionally, the 508 Standard features 17-inch wheels.